In a significant move towards revolutionising agricultural practices in India, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has entered a strategic partnership with Marut Drones to undertake drone spray operations across an extensive area spanning up to 5 lakh acres. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency in the states of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marut Drones will be employing state-of-the-art drone technology to administer a range of agricultural inputs developed by IFFCO Agri-products. This initiative aims to optimise crop yields while minimising environmental impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Enlarging the scope
One of the key highlights of this tie-up is the creation of demand for rural entrepreneurs who have already invested in drone technology. By providing drones as a service (DAAS) for farmers, this collaboration empowers local communities and fosters self-employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals keen on acquiring agricultural drones can avail themselves of government subsidies, facilitating their participation in the initiative and enabling them to offer drone services to farmers on a pay-per-acre basis.
DAAS enables farmers to access drone technology through rural drone entrepreneurs at a per-acre cost, ensuring affordability and accessibility even for small-scale farmers. Furthermore, drone owners and service providers can enroll with Marut to receive incentives for spraying IFFCO products on every acre.
Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder and CEO of Marut Drones Prem Kumar emphasised the transformative role of technology in modern agriculture stating, “This collaboration signifies a paradigm shift in farming practices, allowing farmers to minimise direct contact with pesticides, thereby safeguarding their health. Furthermore, the utilisation of drones addresses labor shortages by completing tasks in a fraction of the time it would take manually, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.”
The IFFCO & Marut Drones tie-up underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient farming ecosystem. By harnessing the power of drone technology, this collaboration seeks to empower farmers, drive economic growth, and ensure food security for future generations.
Marut Drones is India’s foremost drone technology manufacturer, focusing on drone-based solutions to address persistent societal challenges. Established in 2019 by three IIT Alumni, Marut Drones is committed to advancing agriculture and building the agricultural infrastructure of the next century to ensure a sufficient, diversified, and safe food supply. Marut Drones envisions revolutionising agriculture through comprehensive drone technology solutions our focusing precision agriculture and automation.
Read More: REEDS for the Earth
